Abstract
Forest managers in the Southeast increasingly need information about amphibian and reptile responses to silvicultural practices in order to guide sustainable forestry programs. A review of existing literature indicates that effects of silvicultural practices on herpetofauna often are region- and species-specific, with individual taxa responding positively, negatively, or not at all in the short term. Responses of herpetofauna to forestry likely are influenced by adaptations of taxa to historical disturbance regimes. Few studies have evaluated long-term population or landscape-level implications of silvicultural practices for herpetofauna. Furthermore, many existing studies lack pretreatment data, replication, or appropriate reference conditions. We suggest that future research focus on manipulative and retrospective studies designed to identify forestry practices that successfully blend economic objectives with herpetofaunal conservation.
Parent Publication
Citation
Russell, Kevin R.; Wigley, T. Bently; Baughman, William M.; Hanlin, Hugh G.; Ford, W. Mark. 2004. Responses of Southeastern amphibians and reptiles to forest management: A review. In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–75. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Chapter 27. p. 319-334.